Scania has revealed its new e-machine, designed and engineered for the company's battery-electric bus platform. However, this is no ordinary electric powertrain.
This new compact motor is, essentially, a compact drive device consisting of the electric motor, inverter, gearbox, and oil system.
It features four power options and an integrated two- or four-speed gearbox. An additional battery option and a charging interface located at the rear of the vehicle will boost battery uptake. The flexibility provided by the power options allows for adaptability for various operating assignments and conditions. Scania's previous e-bus platform offering had only a single power option.
Customers can select from 240 kW, 270 kW, 300 kW, and 330 kW. Combining these options with either the two- or four-speed gearbox improves the buses' energy efficiency as well as its startability and acceleration, thus allowing the vehicles to move off smoothly and efficiently in tough conditions like hills and heavy duty operations.
The company also has plans to introduce a three-battery pack option with 312 kWh of installed energy that also boasts a second charging interface, again located at the rear of the vehicle. The rear interface will come in handy for higher charging power of 325 kW with up to 500 A. To compare, the current front charging position provides 130 kW with up to 200 A of charging juice. The higher rate reduces charge time which, in turn, increases the buses' operation availability.
Having the flexibility to customize the powertrain setup according to their specific needs is a huge upside for customers and Scania can assist them in setting up the buses before placing an order. Equally impressive is that the e-machine is already compliant with the EU's new cybersecurity legislation.
“We know that bus operators face the push-pull effect of responding to emission regulations while striving to meet the specific demands of electric operations. Power needs, flexibility, charging time, energy efficiency and operational range are some of the key factors,” says Anna Ställberg, head of urban solutions for people transport solutions at Scania Group.
Scania, part of the Traton Group in the U.S., has long been a major player in the European public and coach bus market. For now, the new e-powertrain will be only be available overseas.
